At least two workers have been killed after part of the roof of an Amazon warehouse near St. Louis collapsed after tornadoes and heavy rains hit the area, local officials said.
Several people are still missing as rescuers search anxiously for workers who may have been trapped in a warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois, Police Chief Mike Filback told reporters. He said about 50 workers were reportedly in the warehouse when a “weather-related incident” occurred around 8.30pm. on Friday (US time).
At least 30 workers were evacuated by bus and others may have left on their own, Filbank said, adding that it was difficult to determine the exact number of workers who might be ignored because the warehouse did not have “a fixed number of staff”.
Shots from the drone from the spot showed rescue workers searching a huge area full of rubble as darkness fell.
One woman, Sarah Bierman, said she was very worried about her husband, who works in the warehouse.
“I spoke to him around eight tonight, shortly before I sent him a text message, he was returning to the warehouse to leave his van,” he told a reporter.
“I have not heard from him since then, I just heard the news and we live in Edwardsville – the power went out. So I decided to come here to see what was going on, and I had no idea the building was in such bad condition. I’m very worried,” he said.
An Amazon spokesman said the company was working with the emergency response team at the scene.
“We are deeply saddened by the news that members of the Amazon family have lost their lives as a result of the storm,” said spokeswoman Kelly Nitel. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and all those affected by the storm. We also want to thank all the members of the emergency response team for their continued efforts on the ground.”
Illinois Gov. Jay B. Pritzker wrote on Twitter: “My prayers are with the people of Edwardsville tonight and I’ve contacted the mayor to provide whatever state resources he needs.”
The U.S. National Weather Service issued warnings Friday night about areas in several states including Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri and Illinois.
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